Southwest Austin is the fastest growing metro area according to Community Impact Newsletter. Not only is the population growth increasing but the business growth and employment is also increasing. The fastest growing ZIP codes metro-wide (from San Marcos to Georgetown) are 78748 and 78749.

From 2006 to 2010, Southwest Austin has seen a significant amount of new homes constructed in the area in relation to its size in the market. Although the growth has been mainly residential, “from 1997 to 2007, the area was faster growing in terms of employment and the number of business establishments according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s County Business Patterns/ZIP Code Business Patterns survey. Small businesses along the retail developments, such as Southpark Meadows, are mainly responsible for the growth in employment.

Southwest Austin is expected to continue growing but not at the same rate as previously seen because of the shortage of available land for residential development. Because Southwest Austin is an attractive area in which people want to live, we are likely to see more apartment development. Commercial growth is also expected to continue, resulting in more employers, retail business and jobs in Southwest Austin.

I have lived in Southwest Austin for a total of almost 20 years and have seen many changes. It is exciting to be a part of a rapidly growing area of this beautiful city!